Baby stuff...
I never realized that having a baby could be this black hole of spending on all of the stuff your baby "needs." I mean, I knew raising a child could be expensive... but the stuff that comes with baby, I never knew! All you have to do is walk the aisles of Babies R'Us, and try to take in the floor to ceiling displays of "necessities" for your child's first year of life. How can something under 10 pounds (or hopefully under 10 pounds in my case) need so much stuff?
One of the first times we walked through one of the major baby stores was with Andrews parents, and they were amazed all of the stuff. I was confused... didn't they raise 2 boys... didn't they have all of this? Admittedly they had some of it, but they told us it wasn't like it is today... consumerism has taken over the baby world too!
Let's get real, a baby does not need all of this stuff. There are somethings they do need, but $40 outfits ( I don't even spend that much on myself) and $200 swings (I know this one is hypocritical, I am definitely registered for a $200 swing) are not necessary. A perfectly designed nursery complete with the best and the brightest... not necessary either. But that is the pressure new moms are under now. These are the surface level things I find myself drawn to when I should be preparing and praying about how to raise a child that loves and pursues the Lord.
Some ways I have escaped the baby consumerism...
1. Taking hand me downs. This has probably been the biggest... and what a huge blessing. When someone offers you six trash-bags full of baby cloths... take them :).
2. Tried to keep things in perspective. For example, I don't need to spend $1000 on a glider that the baby will later throw up on. I can find a gently used one on craigslist for a fraction of the price.
3. Investing in worthwhile things... carseat is a spluge for safety and the such.
Moms, I would love to hear the ways you escape baby consumerism, and/or how you save money... be sure to share your ideas... I am new to this :)
I LOVE this post:)
ReplyDeleteBaby number one for me we went ALL out! And now sweet baby number 4 is coming in a few weeks. The difference between how I'm preparing is super drastic. I've gotten rid of my swing and bouncer. I know some mom's use them but I never did. My list of necessities for her...
-A bassinet
-A few blankets
-A few outfits (not a ton)
-Burp rags
-A carseat
-diapers
And honestly that is IT! :) Less is best is my motto with this little gal.
So excited to read more of your posts!
Thanks! This list really helps.. less is more :)
DeleteYou're absolutely right that consumerism has taken over the baby world! The hard thing is that it's all so cute, right? :) I was really thankful for a bouncy seat, but did fine without a swing (we're in a tiny apartment at Southern Seminary in Lousville). We also used a "snap and go" stroller when we had an infant car seat for easier strolls, and chose to buy an umbrella style stroller that we still use (she's 2 1/2 now). I was thankful for a sling carrier that helped me a lot though it was costly. And a "jumperoo" was our last major splurge when our daughter was old enough for it. I wish now that I'd scoured Craigslist for some of those splurges, but I've saved them to use again, so hopefully it'll all balance out! The Lord is gracious to provide us with just what we need, and often blessed us with even more, especially through new grandparents who are thrilled to spoil a baby.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about the snap and go strollers! Also I agree, this is the first grandbaby on both sides... they have taken care of so much of the big stuff!!! :)
DeleteOk, i SO agree with the snap and go stroller and the umbrella one. For Kayleigh we bought the really nice stroller and it was a WASTE. We used the umbrella stroller from Babies R Us more than anything. For baby #2 coming this week we have bought a new Snap and Go that goes with our carseat and are keeping the umbrella stroller. Something else that we have used quite a bit is the high chair that just snaps onto the table. Much cheaper than a big high chair and can go with you when you travel. WE LOVE IT! Facebook groups have become my addicition for buy smocked little girl clothing and incredible prices. Try the group Smocking Hot Mamas. So much goodness!
DeleteOne of the best things I ever did was as my kids bigger and moved into a new size I consigned the older stuff and used my credit to get the things they needed. Less waste and less money!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea... I hadn't thought of that!!!
DeleteMy son has cousins 2 years and 7 months older than he is so probably 3/4 of his stuff is hand-me-down. Saved us a TON of money. For things he's only using for a couple of months (bouncy seat, bathtub, etc.) we've borrowed from friends who are in between babies right now. You'd be amazed what people will let you borrow so that they don't have to have it taking up space in their house. I also wouldn't take tags off of anything or take anything out of packaging until you are 100% sure you need it. That way you can return things you don't need and get things you do.
ReplyDeleteThe tags suggestion is so good... because I am bad at it! I am one of those people who like to organize/wash set up everything... but I need to remind myself it is probably better to wait on most of the stuff!
DeleteI LOVED this post Stacia!!! I am about to have baby #3 and I totally agree. In fact I haven;t bought ONE.SINGLE.THING because I was so thrifty and saved EVERYTHIGN fro the other 2. there is so much pressure to buy all these riduculous things that you never even end up using anyway. great post. I am a new follower:) found you on the vanilla tulip!
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